Smartsheet has recently announced an exciting collaboration with Amazon Web Services (AWS) to introduce a new connector that integrates Smartsheet’s functionality with the AI-powered assistant Amazon Q Business. This integration marks a significant step towards enhancing data accessibility and operational efficiency for businesses that rely on Smartsheet and other platforms.
The connector allows users to access Smartsheet data alongside information from popular applications such as Salesforce, Slack, and Microsoft Teams. With the generative AI capabilities of Amazon Q Business, businesses can streamline their inquiries, generate relevant content, and obtain summaries based on enterprise data seamlessly. This feature not only enhances decision-making but also drives improved operational efficiency.
One of the key challenges faced by many organizations is the existence of data silos. According to a 2024 study by Salesforce, only 28% of business applications tend to connect with one another. By integrating Smartsheet data with other authorized data sources within Amazon Q Business, the new connector addresses this prevalent issue. It enhances data accessibility for over 13 million users of Smartsheet globally, including 85% of the 2024 Fortune 500 companies.
Ben Canning, Senior Vice President of Product Experiences at Smartsheet, remarked, “The Smartsheet connector furthers our strategy to securely integrate Smartsheet with industry-leading enterprise AI tools so customers can seamlessly work across their business applications.” This statement underscores the intent behind the connector: to enable businesses to focus on driving outcomes without the burden of managing disparate data sources.
The integration of Smartsheet with Amazon Q Business not only simplifies data access but also opens avenues for practical applications. For example, service operation managers can utilize the assistant to understand intricate project details by querying the AI for insights from Smartsheet and associated data sources. This capability equips project managers with the deep searches needed to improve oversight while ensuring compliance with privacy protocols.
Dilip Kumar, Vice President of Amazon Q Business at AWS, highlighted the significance of generative AI in today’s business environment. He stated that “Generative AI presents companies of all kinds with the opportunity to revolutionize how work gets done inside their organizations.” He added that the success of this transformation hinges on securing and intelligently accessing data, irrespective of where it resides. This notion resonates with the central role that Smartsheet plays for many enterprises as a hub for work collaboration, comprising billions of rows of data.
Dion Hinchcliffe, Vice President of the CIO Practice at The Futurum Group, emphasized the transformative potential of generative AI in enterprise knowledge management. He noted that “this transition offers an opportunity to redefine the boundaries of what is possible in data management and utilization.” By integrating work management data into Amazon Q Business, Smartsheet and AWS are creating a unified AI search experience, enabling organizations to unlock the full potential of their data resources.
As businesses continue to navigate the complexities of data management, the collaboration between Smartsheet and AWS represents a progressive effort to empower organizations. Earlier this year, Smartsheet began using Amazon Q Business internally, revealing a trend toward enhanced knowledge management and productivity facilitated by cloud technologies. This partnership is one of many steps aimed at leveraging advanced AI tools to reshape how teams manage and execute their tasks.
Currently, the Smartsheet connector is available for Amazon Q Business customers in public preview, allowing immediate access to these capabilities. This ready availability suggests that organizations keen on optimizing their workflow and data management are in a strong position to benefit from this innovative integration.
In conclusion, the integration of Smartsheet with Amazon Q Business through AI represents a significant advancement in operational efficiency and data management. As more organizations look to develop seamless workflows and maximize their data utility, this collaboration stands as a compelling example of how technology can drive innovation and improve business outcomes.
